Last edited 12/21/2021
Kathleen Jo McGinnisLCSW
LCSW
Accepting New Clients
Get To Know Me
What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
Working with others on emotional and mental stumbling blocks or even simple problems of daily living or life transitions demands that the therapist learn to deal with their own. This process is frequently blocked by fear; fear that having a problem means there is something wrong with us. I have learned that there is nothing to fear in this process and that our “lack” is usually a simple lack of knowledge in how to deal with our own insecurities and emotions. It is not taught in school. We have mostly learned to hide our deeper concerns from others and from ourselves. Mental health is about learning to face issues mindfully as they arise, so they do not become hidden or buried within our minds, bodies or spirits. This allows our available energy to flow freely through our bodies, hearts, and souls allowing us to embrace life. This includes the joys, the heart aches, and the challenges. Life can become an adventure; joy and happiness frequently arise from successful negotiation of life’s challenges and we become stronger and healthier in the process.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I took an interesting path to the mental health field; I started my professional career as a physical therapist, doing extensive post graduate work in manual orthopedics. I found that myofascial release work, cranio-sacral therapy, and acupressure work released old emotional residue in my clients who frequently spontaneously began sharing fears, experiences, self-doubts, and traumas while receiving hands on body work. The mind-body-spirit connection was being vividly exhibited on my worktable on a daily basis. I found myself in the position of having to attend to mental and emotional wounds as well as physical. I was fascinated and returned to school to learn more directly about this mind-body connection so that I was able to address emotional issues as they arose. My career is now focused on the mental-emotional health issues of my clients, but I am always aware that what happens on one level, affects us on all levels. I look for interconnections and do my best to address the entire individual, not just a single presenting issue.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
I love having the opportunity to share with people that the therapy experience is exciting, exhilarating, enlightening and fun. That being said, it also sometimes involves attending to old wounds and unpleasant feelings and experiences, but the result is greater self-awareness, self-appreciation, and improvements in relationships with other people, one’s self and the world at large. It expands us, makes us bigger; it makes us better able to cope with all the vagaries of life as they arise. It allows us the personal power and confidence to trust our selves to be competent to handle positive and negative situations with grace and calmness. It is a personal growth experience and I believe it is something everyone should experience.
Learn more about my:
Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyLoss/GriefStressTrauma
General Expertise
Work StressRelationship IssuesSelf-EsteemSocial AnxietyAbuse/Survivors of abuseAging related concernsAnger managementCaregiver stress & supportDivorce & separationLife transitionsMedical Professionals' Mental HealthPhobias & fearsPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Spirituality & religion based issuesMarriage issuesCouples
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyMindfulness PracticesGestalt TherapyNarrative TherapyParent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)Reality TherapySomatic TherapyTranspersonal TherapyTrauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Brief TherapyImago Relationship TherapyInterpersonal Psychotherapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual TherapyMarriage & Couples Counseling
Serves Ages
ParentsAdults (25-65)Seniors (65+)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureTexas, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 62894
Training/CertificationsTrauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Medical University of South Carolina on-line.Child Trauma Intervention; 3-day training; Richmont Graduate University; Chattanooga, TNAdult Trauma Intervention; 3-day training; Richmont Graduate University, Chattanooga, TNTrauma and Biology; 3-day training; Richmont Graduate University, Chattanooga, TNBehavioral Addictions; NETCE; Sacramento, CAIntegrating Mindfulness into Clinical Practice; NETCE, Sacramento, CACognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement; VYNE education; San Antonio, TXNeuroscience for Clinicians; Brain Change for Stress, Anxiety, Trauma, Moods and Substance Abuse; PESI, San Antonio, TXMotivational Interviewing; PESI; San Antonio, TXBowen Family Theory; University of Tennessee at ChattanoogaReal World DBT; PESI; Marietta, GACBT; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Everyday Clinical Practice; CMI education institute; Chattanooga, TNPlay Therapy Protocol for Anxiety Disorders; Middle Tennessee State University; Murfreesboro, TN.EFT, level I (Emotional Freedom Technique) for trauma release; 3-day training; AAMET; Marietta, GAEFT, level II; 3-day training; Marietta, GAMultiple other work shops in various Mental Health techniques and Ethics; Anger, Forgiveness, and Spirituality issues.30 years of continuing education, 30 hours per year for various Physical Therapy specialties integrated with mental health applications.Presently pursuing a degree for Doctor of Natural and Bioenergetic Medicine and Sacred Medicine; IBEM (Institute of Bioenergetic Medicine, Centennial, CO
Education
MSW (Master’s in clinical social work and marital and family therapy); Wayne State University, Detroit MI.
MSPT (Master’s in Manual Orthopedic Physical Therapy); Sorlandett’s Institute, (now Ola Grimsby Institute) held in Dallas, TX.
Gaduate certificate in Marital and Family Therapy, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
BSPT (Bachelor’s in Physical therapy); University of TX Health Science Center at Dallas
Certified Yoga Instructor; Amrit Yoga instructor’s training; Colorado Springs, CO
LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist); Institute of Natural Healing Sciences; Colleyville, TX
Work HistoryMy primary experience and expertise evolved from my work with a wide variety of problems and people of all backgrounds, economic and educational levels. My work varied from helping people with life transitions, losses, rapid change, problems of living, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, grief and social/relationship deficits. I found a large proportion of my clientele suffered from trauma including sexual abuse, mental and physical abuse, and or violence. I actively pursued extensive education in addressing trauma issues. Grief and loss are areas of challenge for many and I have found this to be my favorite area of work as it is extremely effective and transformational. I hold a graduate certificate in family and marital therapy and have supported couples and families in improving intimacy and harmony and in the process of divorce when indicated. I feel especially competent with anxiety, stress, fear, depression, life problems/transitions, trauma, grief and spiritual development issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Kathleen Jo McGinnis, LCSW, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Kathleen McGinnis accepting new clients?
Yes, Kathleen McGinnis is accepting new clients.
Does Kathleen McGinnis accept insurance?
No, Kathleen McGinnis does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Kathleen McGinnis offer?
Kathleen McGinnis offers therapy for couples and individuals.
Does Kathleen McGinnis offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in Texas can book Kathleen McGinnis for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Kathleen McGinnis offer online therapy?
Yes, Kathleen McGinnis offers online therapy to people in Texas.
How quickly can I see Kathleen McGinnis?
Kathleen McGinnis typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Kathleen McGinnis speak?
Kathleen McGinnis conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Kathleen McGinnis online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Kathleen McGinnis online using Choosing Therapy’s directory.
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